The development of change occurred as it progressed through post-Civil War America. Many people may define progress as moving forward, progressing, or developing a concept for the benefit of the people it affects. The political leader, Terence V. Powderly, was both a talented and charismatic man, and created this vision of progress. Powderly himself rose to national prominence through the American labor movement of the late 19th century, when the country was in the midst of an economic recession. His succession of the Knights of Labor (KOL) led America to a number of socio-political effects. It is important to note that ordinary workers worked 60 hours a week without pension or workers' compensation, which is why America had the highest workplace injury rate. On average, 35,000 people died on the job due to these unacceptable working conditions. The culmination of these health risks led directly to unions such as the Knights of Labor led by Powderly himself. Terence V. Powderly's goal, under the leadership of his organization, was to unite the people of America to work to improve the nation's economy and the working and living conditions of its citizens. In a constitution adopted by the Industrial Brotherhood, he outlined his vision of what needed to be done for workers to ensure a better life for citizens and the progress of the country. For this progress to occur in post-Civil War America, people must understand how the country's current conditions, poverty, segregation, and racism, as well as the poor work atmosphere, hinder the potential progress of free labor. Additionally, the Depression of 1873 hit the American economy very hard, and Powderly was one of countless workers middle of paper...... The Knights of Labor (KOL) were particularly hard hit by Haymarket. of work. (2013). In The Columbia Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/columency/knights_of_labor/0 American labor organization, created by Philadelphia tailors in 1869, led by Uriah S. Stephens. It became an organization of national stature and importance in 1878 and grew more rapidly after 1881, when its earlier secrecy was abandoned. (2009). In Poverty and Government in America: A Historical Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/abcpga/labor_unions/0 By the mid-1800s, many trades formed national unions, although these often lasted only a few years. The Knights of Labor, founded in 1869, was the first national union active for more than a few years; it reached its peak of 700,000 members in 1886.